Questions about shipping with FedEx

[cleaning.the.attic]

I want to offer FedEx as an option on large packages, now that they're cheaper than any USPS option. I purchase labels through eBay. Can I schedule a FedEx pickup online (like I can with USPS) or do I need a FedEx account to do that? Does it cost extra?

The only option I'm seeing for my area is dropping FedEx packages off at a Walgreens that is 30 minutes away. If I drop something at Walgreens, let's say on a Monday evening (after FedEx has picked up for the day) does eBay count that as my ship date, or is it not until FedEx actually picks up the next day?..

I'm trying to figure out how to make this work so buyers can still get their STUFF the cheapest, fastest way, but not have to make an hour round trip every other day...

Any helpful info on shipping with FedEx when you live out in the sticks would be appreciated.

[orangehound · Accepted solution]

I don't know about the pick-ups, but so long as you can get a scan at Walgreens, then this would count as "shipped" far as eBay is concerned.

If you've never shipped with FedEx, I can't emphasize enough the importance of packing in a plain rectangular cardboard box with packing tape, and without any crazy big dimensions.   FedEx is not as forgiving as the USPS when it comes to packaging ... they are super-picky

• You'll get slapped with a $13 surcharge to your package if anything about the packaging is objectionable.
• You'll get slapped with a $17 surcharge if there is a problem with the address.
• You'll get slapped with a $24 surcharge if it weighs more than 50 pounds.
• You'll get slapped with a $15 surcharge if a dimension is too big.

[dtexley3]

FedEx charges a fee for scheduled pickups.

I've used drop offs for FedEx for years.  No issues with scan failures, but then I always ask for a receipt.

[cleaning.the.attic]

Well, I always put accurate dimensions. Maybe I could even bump them up a little just to be safe. Nothing is ever over 2 cubic feet, and not over 15 pounds. Boxed. Any way to know if an address is 'official' or not?.. Thanks for the tips!

[orangehound]

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@cleaning.the.attic wrote:

Well, I always put accurate dimensions. Maybe I could even bump them up a little just to be safe. Nothing is ever over 2 cubic feet, and not over 15 pounds. Boxed. Any way to know if an address is 'official' or not?.. Thanks for the tips!

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By "bump up", I assume you mean doing that in the listings for calculated shipping.  As far as buying a label, a "bump up" is sort of pointless because FedEx charges what their machines measure.

With respect to the address, I simply mean that there is a surcharge if you have to call in to change the address, if the address is incomplete (missing apt number for example), or some other addressing issue that causes FedEx to have to manually do something.   I don't typically do address checking if it is a seasoned eBay buyer, but I double check the address (google maps, USPS, etc) if it is a new user to make sure that it is a complete address.

[cleaning.the.attic]

Yes, bump up when I list/set up calculated shipping. If it's right at 18", I could put 19" so I don't get an estimate/price that's lower than what it will actually cost to ship.
And I see what you mean about the addresses. I get a lot of first time (guest?) buyers so I will keep that in mind.

[listedla]

Do NOT use FEDEX which EBAY is pushing is cheapest!
If not today then tomorrow they would bill you wrong - and always you pay times more!!
FEDEX would overcharge you - even when you specify correct size and weight and submitted order in person and was told at the window that everything is O'K.
Then in monthly invoice Fedex simply ignores actual size/weight and put outrages charge.
NO support from Fedex b/c you are NOT a customer but Ebay, and Ebay does NOTHING for you!
Ebay team writes you standard replies and NEVER credit back a penny, not even credit through their selling fees.
Check this board for FEDEX overcharge and keep this info for future settlement.

[listedla]

Fedex ignores your actual correct size/weight and put what they want later on, may be b/c of slow business like with the covid19 quarantine start -- and then bill you ! And you can keep all receipts from them - but you are not their client and Ebay less then interested to help you with overcharge.

[dtexley3]

@listedla I'm sorry you've had issues shipping with FedEx.  I ship via FedEx on a regular basis and rarely does the invoiced amount not match the original label estimate.   I know a number of other sellers that also use FedEx frequently with the same results.

Doesn't matter which carrier USPS, UPS or FedEx, they all have the occasional error and upcharge on the shipment. I've helped with just as many complaints about USPS price increases as FedEx.  There are sellers that make the same "DON'T USE CARRIER X" for the exact same reasons you have for FedEx.

I do agree that eBay needs to figure out a better way to assist buyers when FedEx is involved.

[listedla]

With Fedex overcharge case Ebay is not interested to help you even by credit on your seller fees

1. you never know if EBAY CS team moved their finger or not, no disclosure

2. Fedex ignores you since you are not a client, but Ebay

3. also this is the Ebay revenue source so why border.. 

Since one of ten sellers may be catches/complain then posting it is easy to ignore

[lja440]

As someone who lives out in the sticks I AVOID FED EX LIKE THE PLAUGE ! 

Here in rural Ohio the have a horrible rep. In the past 10 years I have had one each damaged packages through USPS and UPS. FedEx runs around 50% damaged or just plain not delivered. Here they don't attempt to bring it to the house, they will slap a door tag on the front of my mailbox or shove it out at the end of my driveway or beside the mailbox. 

This really isn't a problem for me as I am at the end of a dead end road. But I am a mail carrier and took a bad fall jacking my jaw on a package I was carrying to a porch in about a foot of snow. My foot came down on a FedEx package that was around 6 to 8 feet up a sidewalk covered in snow (probably thrown there). I took both it and mine to the porch. By the way this was a home of a elderly Amish couple  in their 80's, if one of them would have taken that fall...

Anyway I have only shipped 3 packages FedEx  (all returns of broken Verizon phones) none ever arrived.

Please if you give the buyers a choice, honor that choice. I have chosen USPS or UPS when given a choice only to have stuff shipped FedEx and damaged.

Oh and as for pick-up the package that I had picked up by FedEx I was charged $11.45 to pick up from my house in the sticks.